Experiences of Teaching in Scotland

[pourqouimoi]

Question for those of you teaching/who have taught in Scotland and secondary school level.

I'm considering re-training as a teacher (secondary). I always hear teachers who teach in England talking about burn out, how unrelenting it is etc. Is it just as difficult in Scotland? My partner currently teaches in Canada and it's nothing like the English situation. Hard work, but not overwhelming, lots of time off etc. He can take days off during term time, and doesn't often have weekend work. How comparable are English and Scottish schools/the teaching profession in this regard?

I'm primary. I know a few people who trained down South or moved there to teach, and they all agree things are still far better in Scotland.

I couldn't just take a day off randomly in term time but my HT would do her best to accommodate urgent appointments or moving house. I tend to put a few hours in at the weekend but can generally make it through the week without working at home as a result. HTH.

Thanks for responding. I am happy to work hard, I just don't want to retrain for something that I will come to detest because it's overwhelmingly stressful!

Bump!

Which subject would you be teaching?
I have taught English for more than 20 years and have never managed to avoid working weekends. That's more to do with the huge classes than my ability to manage my time. I am also constantly refreshing resources and adding to existing ones, so I guess it's partly on me.
Pre-pandemic, I'd say I average about 50 hours per week during term time with some holiday work too. During this, it's been way more.
Other subjects appear to have a better work-life balance but I don't teach them, so can't say with certainty.
I love my job though. (At least the teaching part.) Teenagers are ace and I can't wait to see my classes face-to-face next week.

weird mumsnet didn't alert me to your response! I'd be teaching history although I would also love to treach english as a foreign language if there is any call for such a thing.

I'm at English teacher - 15 years - and only work the very occasional weekend (folio time!) and rarely in the evening. I generally work 8-4, often lunchtime. I maybe should work more but with 2 small children I feel I do enough to get by and do well by my classes.

When I started I worked WAY more but have enough of a bank of resources and subject knowledge now.